These are sew nice! I've been sewing 6" blocks from Tula Pink's City Sampler of 100 blocks. I know you'd have to pay for the book, but may I suggest it for you? It uses common cuts...1, 1 1/2, 2 1/2 and 3 1/2". Fun and easy to sew.
Yes the hammer is our friend
. I have found that after the initial pressing of a block, lightly mist it with water, then press again (not iron). While the block is still warm slip it
under a square of wood the size of your block...for my small blocks (2 and 3") I use June Tailor's clapper or the base of Dritz point presser and pounding block. (These of are leftovers from when I sewed garments!) Any piece of smooth wood will do.